Northwestern and Evanston announce 2020 Good Neighbor Fund projects

Support for paramedic services, job training programs and park improvements, including the creation of a new dog park, are among the services and projects that will be funded by this year’s $1 million donation from Northwestern University to the City of Evanston's Good Neighbor Fund, President Morton Schapiro and Evanston Mayor Stephen Hagerty announced today (Nov. 18).

This is the fifth consecutive year that Northwestern has donated $1 million to the City’s fund. In March 2015, Northwestern agreed to contribute $1 million annually to the City for a period of five years, with proceeds to be spent on projects and services jointly agreed upon by the mayor of Evanston and Northwestern University’s president.

This year, Mayor Hagerty and President Schapiro agreed to the following allocations:

• $250,000 to support Evanston Fire Department paramedic services 
• $150,000 to support Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center interior improvements 
• $135,000 to support existing job training programs 
• $100,000 for youth outreach programs, which will cover the salaries of two of the five existing full-time outreach workers
• $85,000 to fund the creation of a new dog park 
• $85,000 to fund improvements to McCulloch Park 
• $80,000 to support the career coordinator position for the Elevate Evanston workforce development initiative
• $70,000 to support the full-time social worker position at the Evanston Public Library
• $45,000 to support Climate Action and Resilience Plan initiatives 

“For Northwestern to thrive, Evanston must thrive,” President Schapiro said. “That’s the idea behind our Good Neighbors Fund. It’s an honor for us to play a role in providing programs and services that make Evanston one of the most remarkable communities in the nation.”

"From enhancing job training programs, to improving our parks, to supporting the City's climate action efforts, the projects funded by this year's Good Neighbor Fund allocation will have a direct and positive impact on the quality of life for all who live, work and play in Evanston," said Mayor Hagerty. "Thank you to President Schapiro and Northwestern University for their commitment to our community. I look forward to continuing our strong partnership in the years to come."

Projects and services selected for this year’s Good Neighbor Fund allocation will be funded for the 12-month period beginning Jan. 1, 2020.

Next year, Mayor Hagerty and President Schapiro will meet to discuss the future of the Good Neighbor Fund as well as other opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

For more information from the City of Evanston, please call or text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.